Cottons Caribbean Restaurant and Salon de Rhum Notting Hill

The original Cottons restaurant in Camden opened over 30 years ago. Since then they've opened a street food Cottons in Boxpark, Shoreditch and now the flagship restaurant in Notting Hill, just walking distance from Notting Hill Gate tube station.

The Notting Hill branch offers a more refined experience but still in keeping with the Cottons relaxed and colourful vibe that customers will be used to.

Beautiful authentic interior decor at Cottons, Notting Hill

I was really looking forward to seeing the bar which stocks the largest rum collection in the UK, with over 300 varieties available and not just from the Carribean but all over the world. As well as drinks and tasty cocktails you can also enjoy bar snacks and sharing plates at the bar like Jerk pork ribs (£7), Oxtail & bean stew (£7.50), and Ackee & saltfish (£7.50).

The largest collection of rum in the UK

Our tasty cocktails!

We sat in the Glass house, the main restaurant, which has a large skylight with bright natural light and decorated with stunning oak wood flooring, beamed ceilings and beautiful bonsai plants.

Luckily Cottons offers mocktails for those of us who don't drink or like me are pregnant so I chose the fruit smoothie, a blend of strawberries, raspberries, passionfruit, mango puree, coconut cream and guava juice - very tasty!

Our starter - the Mezze platter - yum!

For a starter we chose the Mezze platter which was accra, aubergine choka, creole shrimps and pholourie.

Cottons Caribbean promises "traditional Caribbean cuisine" so reading through the tasty looking menu, my expectations were high. I opted for the sharing platter of jerk chicken pieces, rice and peas, fried plaintain, potato salad and smoked beetroot salad. The jerk chicken marinade was delicious, with plenty of flavour and came in a tasty sauce which had a little kick to it and just enough spice. Served with the rice and peas, plaintain and potato salad these side dishes were the perfect addition to my meal.

Jerk chicken pieces

Rice and peas

Fried plaintain

Potato salad

Smoked beetroot salad

For dessert, I chose the chocolate praline bar, a beautifully designed chocolate cake with praline mousse served with a knob of lemon curd and iced bubble gum marshmallow - it tasted as delicious as it looked!

Chocolate praline bar - so tasty!

As well as the restaurant and bar, downstairs there is a private room that seats 20 for parties and events. For those with special dietary requirements vegan, gluten free and vegetarian platters are also available on the menu too.

Private dining room area for parties and events

If you're looking to dine in a laid back atmosphere that serves authentic Caribbean flavours then you will have to visit Cottons. If the delicious food doesn't tempt you or the relaxed vibes then go for drinks and try out the electric cocktails, whatever you decide, you won't be disappointed! To book a table at Cottons restaurant visit www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk for more information.

*Disclaimer: I was invited to review this restaurant but all words and opinions are my own*